Our View: Lincoln Township plan leads to results

Lincoln Township Supervisor Kevin Wray admits he is rather proud of the progress his township has made in the last five years.

The township put together a master plan for parks and recreation -- and executed that plan to add restroom facilities, a picnic area pavilion, playground area and a walking trail.

Thanks in part to grants from the Michigan DNR Natural Resources Trust Fund, The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and the Midland Area Community Foundation, the plan has become a reality.

Now, the township has a half-mile walking trail that winds through pine trees and circles an athletic field. The covered pavilion includes picnic tables and is available to reserve for a fee.

"The picnic area is not restricted to Lincoln Township residents," Wray said.

That means anyone in the county, or even farther away, can enjoy the location.

Wray said the township has saved money from a small millage to tackle the project. So it took some time and a vision to pull this off.

But upon completion, taxpayers can see what can become of a small investment -- and some generous grants. The community will have a gem of a park. And, township planning and saving also led to a $419,000 addition to its township hall and fire station, which was paid for in cash.

To assess the wishes of its residents, the township has a survey on its website for input -- another good idea.

"We want to ask township residents what they think of what we've done and what do they think we should be doing?" Wray said. "So far, we've had 88 responses."

The township appears to be following all the rules for good government. Spend only small amounts of money on projects the people want, and stay in contact with the voters in case their opinion changes.

Taxpayers have heard too often and too long about government financial abuse. So it's good to know that a local government is doing the right thing for the people.

We commend Lincoln Township and hope it can be an example for other communities in the Great Lakes Bay Region.